Though it is not abnormal for dogs and cats to coexist peacefully, sometimes conflicts do occur, particularly when animals sense that they are threatened or upset. A dog may at times instigate a cat to such an extent that it swipes with its claws. These short encounters, though usually insignificant, can cause damage to your dog, mostly to the face or eyes. If your dog has been scratched by a cat, it is important to act quickly to maintain their health and comfort.
Step 1: Separate the Animals Safely
If your dog and a cat engage in a physical fight, the primary task is to keep them apart. Nevertheless, it should be done safely in order not to get hurt. Cats may become very vicious, more so if they are defending something like kittens, and the fight can turn very quickly. Even a highly trained dog might respond aggressively, particularly if it has a high prey drive.
To be able to pull the animals apart safely, avoid physical participation in the fight. Instead, utilize a loud sound or pungent smell to distract them. With the attention diverted, you can now withdraw your dog from the fight in ease.
Step 2: Look Out for Signs of Injury
After the animals are parted, check your dog over for injury. If your dog got scratched on the face or near the eyes, the most obvious indication of pain will be squinting or having one eye closed. This is a natural reaction to eye pain, and it can be accompanied by signs such as over-tearing or rubbing at the eye.
If you look at your dog closer, you may find redness and swelling from and around the eye. It can also be cloudy or even bluish in color. These are generally signs that the injury might actually be worse and veterinary care is in order.
Step 3: Veterinary Care
If your dog shows any signs of eye injury, it's important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Even if the symptoms seem mild, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Eye injuries, particularly scratches on the cornea, can worsen over time if left untreated. A veterinarian will be able to examine the injury and recommend the best course of treatment.
Scratches near the eye, or corneal cuts, are not common in canines, especially in high-energy dogs who engage in constant scuffles. These types of injuries, while severe, are generally treatable with rapid intervention.
Potential Risks of Eye Scratches
When a cat scrapes a dog's eye, the first fear is a corneal trauma. That is when the pointed claw has made a puncture in the outer covering of the eye. The injury can vary, where small scratches heal without treatment but may cause permanent damage, including blindness, especially in more extensive ones.
Infection is another issue. Cat claws are a source of bacteria, which can travel into the eye and create an infection. While they are not common, infections can result in blindness. Feral cats can also transmit rabies or Bartonella, though these are not commonly found for most household dogs.
The first thing that occurs when you take your dog to the vet is that they will give him a general checkup. Your dog will be too uptight in some cases, and thus, local anesthetic will be administered so that they will become relatively relaxed and their pain reduced.
To determine the extent of damage, the veterinarian may apply a special dye called fluorescein. The dye attaches to damaged parts of the cornea, making it easier to identify and measure the area of damage. Once the vet has estimated how much damage is done, the right treatment will be prescribed.
Treatment Options
Most eye injuries will heal on their own after a while, but your vet might give antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and pain medication to make your dog feel comfortable during recovery. In other instances, an Elizabethan collar (the "cone of shame") might be advisable to avoid further irritation or injury to the eye.
For some situations, plasma drops prepared from your dog's own blood might be employed to facilitate quicker healing and enhance recovery rates.
Severe Cases and Surgery
In the case of severe injuries, when the injury does not heal properly, surgery is needed. For example, if the cornea separates from the stroma beneath, an indolent ulcer will be formed that has to be corrected by surgery.
Recovery and Long-Term Care
Recovery will depend on the severity of the injury. Fortunately, the majority of dogs recover fully from eye scratches with no residual vision loss. However, it can be a frightening ordeal for you and your dog if the injury causes ongoing pain or fear.
During recovery, be sure to follow your vet’s instructions carefully, and monitor your dog for any signs of trouble. Avoid situations that might lead to further injury, and make sure to provide plenty of comfort and praise to help your dog feel secure.
Conclusion
The human eye is sensitive, so injuries that come with cat scratches are a cause for concern. Yet still, most dogs will be fine if taken care of properly. If your dog gets scratched by a cat, the important thing is to act immediately. Separate animals, observe for signs of injury, and rush them to the vet. With proper treatment, your dog will be just fine.
